Pia and John met six months ago at Amsterdam airport. They were both returning home - she to Germany, he to New Zealand. There was such a spark between them that they agreed to meet again head over heels.

Kay Foster has not set foot on the Winley stud farm since her stepsister married Kay's childhood sweetheart. However, when she learns from her father George that an uncontrollable virus is raging there that threatens the existence of the stud farm, the renowned vet puts her feelings aside and travels to her old home, the Hudson Valley - a picturesque region just outside New York. She receives anything but a warm welcome from her stepmother Esther. Esther fears that Kay could jeopardize her daughter Alison's marriage - not unfounded, as Eric soon makes advances to Kay. Kay would prefer to leave again when her father suddenly dies. Esther accuses Kay of having upset George, who has a heart condition, too much and of being partly responsible for his death. Her accusations are not without consequences: Kay feels responsible.

On the last day of the Munich Oktoberfest, the paths of different people cross: While Birgit questions her marriage to Max, single father Richard is caught in a conflict between his young lover and paternal responsibility - his son, whom he only sees very rarely, has been looking forward to an evening with him; but Richard also needs to talk things out with his young love. Meanwhile, some crazy Italians come to Munich. Alessandro falls in love with a newly married Japanese woman. A traditional showman's family fights against ruin and an embittered young wheelchair user who keeps the officers at the local police station in suspense with hidden threats...

Kate has been in a witness protection program for years because she testified against her own criminal husband Ted Kinnock, putting him behind bars. She lives with her now grown-up son Channing in the county of Cornwall in England. Her son falls in love with young Rachel, the daughter of an aristocratic family. Her parents immediately disapprove of the relationship, as they do not consider Channing worthy of their daughter. When Channing accidentally calls an old contact of his mother's called Dave, events come to a head: Dave was Kate's contact at the police station, but they both fell in love with each other. The policeman now rushes to the island to protect the love of his life, because Ted Kinnock has been released from prison early and is out for revenge.

Leon, an eleven-year-old, disappears from a Bavaria-Austrian border region children's home, resembling a previous case five years ago. Investigation involves Inspector Reincke and forensic archaeologist Dr. Marie Sonnleitner.

Birgit Reincke is a resolute and quick-witted investigator in her early 50s who has seemingly given up her job. She is assisted by Jonas Becker, an aggressive and impulsive rookie detective, and Marie Sonnleitner, a brilliant scientist.